Chapter 188: Chase Away

"This is our calling card. We hope Butler Sun can deliver it for us. My brother and I will be very grateful for your assistance if Master Yang grants us an audience."

Sensing Sun Qiang's hesitation, Lu Xun smiled faintly, his hands clasped behind his back, a confident expression on his face. From childhood, everything had gone smoothly for him. Coupled with the reputation he had built over the years, he possessed both confidence and poise. In the Heavenly Profound Kingdom, who wouldn't treat the name "Lu Xun" with respect and courtesy? In the past, he relied on his father, Master Lu Chen's status as an "Imperial Tutor." But now, "Star Teacher Lu Xun" was a reputation he had earned entirely on his own.

"Alright!" Nodding, Sun Qiang took the calling card in his hand and entered the mansion without much delay. Although Lu Xun was currently only a star teacher, his experience suggested that becoming a master teacher was merely a matter of time. As a humble butler, Sun Qiang had no desire to get overly involved in matters concerning master teachers; everything should be decided by his own master.

"Like a fox parading in a tiger's skin, or a dog acting fierce under its master's protection!" Seeing the plump man in front of him completely change his demeanor after hearing the name and turn to enter, Wang Chao snorted coldly, his face full of disdain. He had inquired about Sun Qiang's background beforehand: the man was merely the owner of a merchant guild who rented out rooms. Wang Chao couldn't fathom what Master Yang saw in him to grant him his current elevated status. He had only reached the Skin-Bone Realm in his forties, was as corpulent as a pig, and possessed little ability, yet he dared to yell at him. If it weren't for his status as Master Yang's butler, Wang Chao would have taught him a lesson long ago.

"He's just a small fry, Brother Wang, no need to pay him any mind," Lu Xun said with a smile.

"So it's Teacher Lu Xun and Teacher Wang Chao! I didn't recognize you earlier; my apologies!"

"You two are the most renowned figures in the entire academy. I've always wished to pay my respects and never expected to encounter you here."

"This is truly a stroke of good fortune! Perhaps in the future, we'll need to trouble you two teachers again..."

Teachers are divided into two levels: ordinary teachers and master teachers. Ordinary teachers are categorized into three types: junior, senior, and star teachers. Master teachers, on the other hand, are divided into two types: apprentices (also called assistant teachers) and formal master teachers. Although Lu Xun and Wang Chao were still at the first level, they had already reached the pinnacle and qualified to become master teachers. With recognition from any master teacher, they could instantly become master teacher apprentices, undergoing a complete transformation, like a common hen turning into a phoenix. Given their status, even those waiting outside the gate, despite their considerable strength and esteemed positions, would not dare to offend them. Furthermore, they were currently visiting Master Yang and might very well gain his favor. Once they became Master Yang's apprentices, it would be too late to try and curry favor with them.

Witnessing the crowd's deferential attitude, Lu Xun and Wang Chao exchanged smiles, a gesture of self-importance as if they were already master teacher apprentices, elevated above others and capable of directing the world. To achieve such a formidable reputation at such a young age, wasn't this precisely the goal?

"Don't be angry with that butler, you two. Once you become Master Yang's apprentices, he wouldn't dare utter such nonsense, even if he were ten times bolder," a cultivator said with a fawning smile.

"Yes, indeed. Becoming an apprentice means becoming a direct disciple of Master Yang, like a junior. He's merely a butler, a servant!" another person added.

"You are all too kind," Lu Xun replied. "Becoming an apprentice is extremely difficult; it's not that easy." Though Lu Xun spoke humbly, a confident, 'who else but me?' smile played on his lips. Indeed, he was renowned as the most formidable star teacher, the preeminent figure in the entire Heavenly Profound Kingdom. If a master teacher were to truly accept an apprentice, he would undoubtedly be the first choice, unrivaled by anyone.

"Teacher Lu, you're being too humble. I heard that Master Liu had long intended to take you as an apprentice!"

"I heard about that too. But even Master Liu has to visit Master Yang. If one can become his apprentice, the starting point would surely be much higher."

"If you truly become Master Yang's apprentice, your status would likely be no less than that of a one-star master teacher. At that point, we would undoubtedly need to rely heavily on both of you teachers..."

The others complimented them again.

"Rest assured, if Master Yang truly accepts me as an apprentice, I certainly won't forget any of you."

Lu Xun and Wang Chao smiled simultaneously, standing before the crowd like lotuses emerging from the mud, exquisitely noble and beyond compare, causing others to feel humble and unable to meet their gaze directly.

Creak! Just then, the courtyard gate "creaked!" open, and Sun Qiang emerged once more. Seeing him come out, the two stepped forward.

"Thank you, Butler Sun, for relaying our message. Please lead the way," Wang Chao said with a faint smile, raising an eyebrow as he prepared to enter the courtyard. Before he had taken two steps, a plump figure blocked his way, and Sun Qiang looked at them with a peculiar expression.

"Did Master Yang not let us in?" Wang Chao's face darkened. "That shouldn't be the case. On the calling card, they had meticulously detailed their teaching achievements over the years; they were undoubtedly star teachers. How could they not be granted an audience?"

"Go in? Who told you to go in?" Sun Qiang said, waving a dismissive hand. "You have two choices: either queue up, or... get out!"

"You..." Lu Xun and Wang Chao were almost incandescent with rage, having never expected such an attitude from the other party after their calling card had been delivered.

"Is this Master Yang's instruction? You're just a humble butler; don't make a mistake that harms yourself!" Lu Xun stepped forward. He had just established his authority among the crowd, feeling pleased with himself and certain that Master Yang would grant them an audience. But now, the other party was trying to dismiss them. If they truly left like this, his reputation would be utterly ruined, and he would never be able to hold his head high again.

"Harm myself?" Sun Qiang retorted, waving his hand. "Guards, remove these two troublemakers!"

With a rustle, several guards emerged from behind the door, each carrying a stick, and approached Lu Xun and Wang Chao.

"You..." Wang Chao's face flushed with anger. "Sun Qiang, how dare you..."

"What do you mean? You're going to drive people away with sticks? Do you take us for beggars? We are star teachers, renowned figures throughout Hongtian Academy and even the Heavenly Profound Kingdom! If you truly drive us out, where will our dignity be?"

"What's there to not dare?" Sun Qiang retorted. "My master said that no matter who wishes to see him, they must queue up and pay three million gold coins. Teachers are no exception. Otherwise, if everyone simply presented a calling card, wouldn't my master be worked to death? 'Star teachers,' indeed! Bah! You haven't paid yet you expect to jump the queue? Stop putting on airs and disgracing the teaching profession!" Sun Qiang looked at them with disdain, waving his hand as if shooing away flies. "Get them out!"

Sun Qiang admitted he had been nervous moments ago. After delivering the calling card to his master, the latter had merely asked if they had paid. Upon hearing they hadn't, his master simply waved a hand and said to "follow the rules." From this, it was clear that "star teachers" were not taken seriously at all. Indeed, even when the Three Masters came, his master had been indifferent. What significance did a mere star teacher hold?

Hearing Sun Qiang's command, the guards stepped forward. "Teachers, please!" As they spoke, their faces were also filled with peculiar expressions.

"I thought teachers cared about their dignity! So, you didn't pay, just presented a calling card, and expected to sneak in?"

"Master Yang is right to treat everyone equally. Teachers have no special privileges. I admire that!"

"No money and still trying to cut in line, that's truly brazen! I regret having even considered befriending him just now..."

"Master Yang surely wouldn't approve of such a person lacking integrity. And he wants to become a master teacher... how ridiculous!"

Not only were the guards' gazes disapproving, but everyone around them also snorted coldly. Most of them had paid and had been queuing for several days without being granted an audience. For these two to give nothing and just expect to rush in – what a joke! Weren't they just asking for a scolding?

Seeing the crowd's idiotic stares, Lu Xun and Wang Chao almost spat blood on the spot. The intense humiliation made them dizzy. Everyone wanted to avoid an awkward meeting, so the three million gold coin visiting fee was usually given discreetly, a tacit understanding. Lu Xun had already planned it: he would write a calling card with sincere words, and even if the other party didn't meet them, they would surely respect their status and wouldn't expose the situation. This fat man, however, not only blurted out the truth but also glared at them with such an expression... Lu Xun and Wang Chao were utterly distraught. "Oh, for heaven's sake!" This time, they were utterly humiliated. If there were a crack in the ground, they would have long since crawled into it.

"You..." Wang Chao still wanted to offer some pleasantries to salvage some dignity, but he felt his arm tighten as Lu Xun grabbed him.

"Excuse me, Butler Sun," Lu Xun said. "We were reckless. We'll take our leave for today..." After speaking, he turned and walked away.

This Butler Sun was simply an oaf who dared to say anything. If they didn't leave quickly and continued to stay, they would likely not only be infuriated to death but also suffer increasing humiliation. As star teachers, they were naturally not foolish. Seeing his friend turn and leave, Wang Chao also realized the problem, glared resentfully at Sun Qiang, and followed closely behind.

"Lu Xun, what do we do now?" Leaving the crowd, they walked into an empty alley and stopped. Wang Chao couldn't help but speak. They had believed that by presenting their calling card, the other party would surely take them seriously. Once summoned, they were confident their knowledge would capture attention. They never dreamed that not only would they be denied entry, but the fact that they hadn't paid would also be publicly revealed. The intense frustration nearly drove them mad.

"What else can we do?" Lu Xun gritted his teeth. "We get three million, then go in openly." Only by seeing Master Yang could they demonstrate their knowledge and earn his respect. If they couldn't even meet him, what was the use of continuing to argue with the butler?

"Three million? Where are we going to get that?" Wang Chao asked, his face as bitter as a gourd.

"You know I've had a falling out with my old man," Lu Xun replied. "Even if he had it, he wouldn't give it to me. Besides, how would I even ask?" Lu Xun shook his head.

"Originally, my old man could have afforded it," Wang Chao lamented. "But just a few days ago, he learned a formidable spear technique and paid several million in tuition fees. Now he has no money. Let alone three million, even a few hundred thousand would be difficult..." Wang Chao gave a bitter smile. His old man had been engrossed in learning the spear technique these past few days; Wang Chao couldn't even see him. Not to mention having no money, even if he did, Wang Chao probably wouldn't be able to get it.

"Yeah, what should we do?" Both of them were troubled.

"Lu Xun, if it truly comes down to it," Wang Chao suggested, "why don't you ask Emperor Shen Zhui for a loan? Didn't you grow up in the royal palace? Borrowing three million shouldn't be difficult, right? Once you become an apprentice, you can simply pay him back..."

"Emperor Shen Zhui?" Lu Xun rubbed his forehead for a moment. "Alright!"